Pastor’s Note
God Gives Us Hope
Acolyte Adventures The first time I was asked to take on the role of acolyte was on Christmas Eve when I was 12. My family was often assigned as the…
Read MoreAdvent Reflection | Wednesday, December 23
Today’s A Weary World Rejoices story comes from Pastor Chris Enstad: Human beings are not built for waiting. All of the parts that God has knit together into our bodies speak…
Read MoreBlue Christmas 2020
God Speaks I know most of us aren’t taking any or many road trips in these “Covid” times. But one person’s writing recently reminded of some roadside billboards that were…
Read MoreThe Beginning of the Good News
Earlier this week we had some new wood-looking vinyl flooring installed at my house. It replaces old flooring in nearly every room on our main level; kitchen, eat-in area, family…
Read MoreA Thanks-Giving Observed
Giving Thanks in All Circumstances Well here we are—about to celebrate another holiday in a way we never expected. Tomorrow we will eat a meal alone or perhaps together with…
Read MoreHope
“We do not grieve as those who have no hope,” Paul says to the Thessalonians. Yet we still grieve. I saw it with my own eyes and felt it in…
Read MoreUpside Down Blessings
One Predictable Change As of this morning, we set our clocks back correctly and gained an hour of sleep. As I say this aloud, I hope it occurs to you,…
Read MoreA Digital Reformation
Did you catch today’s Gospel reading (John 8:31-36)? It was short. Just four verses. Barely enough characters to fill up two “Tweets” on Twitter. Allow me to read it again.…
Read MoreClothed in Christ
A Variety of Denominations We’ve started confirmation for our church’s Middle Schoolers recently. We’re Zooming with about 25 6th graders on Tuesday nights and around 75 7th & 8th graders…
Read MoreEntitlement
A Sense of Urgency This parable about a wedding banquet gone wrong is a bizarre story (Matthew 22:1-14). Matthew, our gospel writer, extends Jesus’ parable, adding even more dire twists…
Read MoreFood Pantry Garden 2020 Review
Season in Review Thank you to all who volunteered, donated and prayed for the garden this year! We produced ~1400lbs of peas, beans, melons, corn, tomatoes and squash. We had…
Read MoreCh-Ch-Ch-Changes
Change your Mind The ability of human beings to change our minds forms the basis of how we live our lives together. It is a noble and somewhat comforting thing…
Read MoreWorkers in God’s Field
Wait, what? The parable of the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20: 1-16) is about… what, exactly? Well first of all, let us beware that Jesus is certainly making God…
Read MoreRevision to Forward Together Reopening Plan
Good Shepherd Board approves revision to Forward Together reopening plan Dear Friends and Family at Good Shepherd, This week, the Good Shepherd Board approved changes to our reopening plans that…
Read MoreThe Armor of Light
Chilly Mornings, Warm Beds The weather in these last couple days and nights has shifted. Its chilly out there! I’ve quickly transitioned to snuggling under the covers for my night’s…
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